[1/12/17] Collecting our success into one place

[nan0s7]

Hello, everyone!​

So as we all know, any developments to do with the Yoga Book seem to be very slow.

Considering a decent number of us have experimented with the Yoga Book, I thought it'd be a good idea to make a centralised place for methods that have worked for people, so we can all have a go and hopefully obtain similar results.

So the idea would hopefully end up being something along the lines of my Megathread (which is now in General).

I guess this is where I get the ball rolling...

Most Promising Leads for Installing Android (1/12/17)

I have tried to install Bliss OS, but with not much luck. Once you get passed the GRUB screen it says there was an emergency error of some kind and reboots the device.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/x86-bliss-x86-pc-s-t3534657

I found that his updated installer (v25.0004) doesn't work at all, but the latest version from the original developer worked fine, linked below:

https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/winapp-android-x86-installer-uefi-t3222483

I followed the following methods, all which resulted in a failed attempt, but the one with the most success was the first one:
- Easy install for Bliss-x86 UEFI/ESP
- For Bliss-x86 USB based installs
- Custom install for Bliss-x86 UEFI/ESP

My next attempt will be with Phoenix OS.

OLD INFO (as of 1/12/17)

Edit: I managed to replicate my situation twice. So I now have a method. Will post more info soon.
Okay... so if you want to get into Remix OS (knowing it's only temporary), here's how to replicate what I did. But make sure you have the following tools:
- USB keyboard & microUSB to USB adaptor (for the keyboard)
- Remix OS (I'm using the 64-bit version)
- A bit of time

What I did:
- Install Remix OS (doesn't matter what size you choose; 8, 16 or 32) on your C: Drive (main Local Disk) with the bundled installer
- Reboot when it finishes (via the dialog box, don't reboot any other way... it won't work properly)
- Give it about 10-15 minutes on the first boot. It'll be "stuck" at this Android-looking thing (mine's all glitched up and stuff)
- When it's done it'll show a black screen, and the Pencil icon to switch the Halo Keyboard on/off will stop turning on&off, it'll instead just stay on 100% of the time
- Reboot again, again choosing to boot into Remix OS
- As soon as you choose Remix OS, you NEED to hold the escape (ESC) key!!! If you don't do this, you'll have to start from scratch
- If you did it right, it'll come up with a couple lines of code, and then after a couple second it'll say "ANDROID" underneath the code, and everything will load up
- Everything should be in portrait-mode, but you should have no graphical glitches now, and should see the setup screen
- The touch-screen still shouldn't work here, you need to use the keyboard to navigate through the setup. If the Wi-Fi bit isn't connecting properly, do that later (just skip that step, up the top right). I left Google Play Services enabled, it doesn't matter, it won't ask for your information unless you open a Google App.
- When you finish the installation, everything should work (except the Halo Keyboard of course)
- To make Remix OS take up the whole screen instead of just the middle... go to the Settings App -> Remix OS Settings (whatever the top one is) -> Always show landscape thingo, toggling this off will make it use the whole screen instead of that little square in the middle.

This is far as I've gotten. I've tried getting USB Debugging to work, but it doesn't want to work. Bluetooth doesn't work for me, nor does changing the brightness. I wouldn't lock the tablet either, sometimes that doesn't work. Also don't try use the Google Play Store, because when you finish entering your information, it'll likely crash and you'll have to start over again. Rebooting will reset everything.

OLD INFO (as of 30/03/17)

I've had some random luck (as told in my recent post, I'll quote it here) with Remix OS.

I had a minor breakthrough last night. I don't know how I managed it though.

So Remix OS has an installer application you can run from within Windows. I used that, then rebooted into Remix OS. The first boot was met with just lots of graphical errors, but when I rebooted again into Remix OS, it booted perfectly. Android was running smoothly, everything worked (the touch screen, Wi-Fi, etc. - but not the Halo Keyboard). However, when I rebooted again, it stopped working. I was not able to successfully replicate that again - even with many re-installations of Remix OS.

I'll continue to mess with it, but if anyone has Windows and wants to attempt getting Android on it, this may be a viable method they can try. But of course, it's not perfect so don't do anything you don't know how to do just yet.

Somehow I managed to get it working, but only temporarily.
If I'm able to replicate this situation again, I may be able to install the Stock ROM alongside Windows 10. However, I don't have all the time in the world, so this may take a long while.

General Yoga Book Information:

To my knowledge, there are two versions of the Yoga Book, each with two sub-versions for the OS:

1.) YB1-X9aF - this is the Wi-Fi version
2.) YB1-X9aL - this is the LTE/4G version

Where the "a" between the 9 and the F/L is either a zero or a one, depending on the installed OS (Android: 0, Windows 10: 1)
The SIM card is a Nano-SIM with 3G capability.

Other than that, all Yoga Book devices share the following specifications:
- 10.1 inch IPS display, of resolution 1920x1200
- Intel Atom x5-Z8550 processor, which:
----+ Has an architecture of x86_64 (ie. 64-bit)
----+ Core base clock of 1.44 gigahertz
----+ Core boost clock of 2.4 gigahertz
----+ 4 cores and 4 threads
- Battery capacity of 8500 milliampere hours
- On-board storage of 64 gigabytes of solid-state storage (SSD)
- 4 gigabytes of random-access memory (RAM)
- A microSD card slot capable of up to 128 gigabytes of storage
- Two camera's, one above the display and one on the keyboard
- Wi-Fi (802.11 ac) and Bluetooth (v4)
- 3.5 millimetre headphone jack
- Micro-USB 2.0 OTG port
- Micro-HDMI port

Any information I put about my experience will be with the YB1-X91F version (aka Windows 10 Wi-Fi)

Dual OS or Switching the pre-installed one:

I have attempted getting Android on my Yoga Book, and completely deleting everything Windows. This has obviously not gone very well for me.

Version's I've tried:
- Android x86 6.0-r1
- Android x86_64 6.0-r1
- Android x86 6.0 20160129
- Android Nougat x86 20160902
- Android 4.2.2-r1 "ia3-core mesa-userdebug"
- Remix OS (32 & 64-bit)

The one I personally have had the most success with (by that I mean I've gotten it to display the Android set-up screen with no touch-input) is the 32-bit version of 6.0-r1 (so the first one on my list above).

Other OS's that I've tried/succeeded in running:
- GParted Live 0.28.1-2 i686 (although, the whole screen is in portrait mode)
- Ubuntu 16.10 Desktop (amd64 - so it obviously didn't work)
- Windows 10 with AMIDuOS on-top (honestly wasn't that great)

Currently testing:
- Windows 10 with BlueStacks on-top

TLDR:
If you're on the Windows 10 version of the Yoga Book, I cannot recommend attempting to install Android on it (even with a dual-boot) at this current time. This will probably change if x86 Android update their ROM/Image, though.

I'm currently testing the practicality of putting BlueStacks on-top of Windows 10, which is a player that allows you to run Android apps. The only thing I'm keeping an eye on is battery life (since it'll be doing background tasks for Windows AND Android). However, you will at least have full functionality - especially with the Halo Keyboard.
Ehh... BlueStacks isn't that great after all. Personally I'd stick with Windows apps if you need something like that.

I will add more info and links later on, I just wanted to get this out before hitting the hay. Australia's time difference sucks.

 

[deepsync]

AmiDuOS works for me but the keyboard language cannot be changed somehow.

Hello, everyone!​

So as we all know, any developments to do with the Yoga Book seem to be very slow.

Considering a decent number of us have experimented with the Yoga Book, I thought it'd be a good idea to make a centralised place for methods that have worked for people, so we can all have a go and hopefully obtain similar results.

So the idea would hopefully end up being something along the lines of my Megathread (which is now in General).

I guess this is where I get the ball rolling...

General Yoga Book Information:

To my knowledge, there are two versions of the Yoga Book, each with two sub-versions for the OS:

1.) YB1-X9aF - this is the Wi-Fi version
2.) YB1-X9aL - this is the LTE/4G version

Where the "a" between the 9 and the F/L is either a zero or a one, depending on the installed OS (Android: 0, Windows 10: 1)

Any information I put about my experience will be with the YB1-X91F version (aka Windows 10 Wi-Fi)

Dual OS or Switching the pre-installed one:

I have attempted getting Android on my Yoga Book, and completely deleting everything Windows. This has obviously not gone very well for me.

Version's I've tried:
- Android x86 6.0-r1
- Android x86_64 6.0-r1
- Android x86 6.0 20160129
- Android Nougat x86 20160902
- Android 4.2.2-r1 "ia3-core mesa-userdebug"
- Remix OS (32 & 64-bit)

The one I personally have had the most success with (by that I mean I've gotten it to display the Android set-up screen with no touch-input) is the 32-bit version of 6.0-r1 (so the first one on my list above).

Other OS's that I've tried/succeeded in running:
- GParted Live 0.28.1-2 i686 (although, the whole screen is in portrait mode)
- Ubuntu 16.10 Desktop (amd64 - so it obviously didn't work)

Currently testing:
- Windows 10 with AMIDuOS on-top

TLDR:
If you're on the Windows 10 version of the Yoga Book, I cannot recommend attempting to install Android on it (even with a dual-boot) at this current time. This will probably change if x86 Android update their ROM/Image, though.

I'm currently testing the practicality of putting AMIDuOS on-top of Windows 10, which will be like having an app that just runs Android. The only thing I'm keeping an eye on is battery life (since it'll be doing background tasks for Windows AND Android). However, you will at least have full functionality - especially with the Halo Keyboard.

I will add more info and links later on, I just wanted to get this out before hitting the hay. Australia's time difference sucks.

 

[nan0s7]

AmiDuOS works for me but the keyboard language cannot be changed somehow.

Have you tried different keyboard apps?

 

[deepsync]

Well on screen keyboard works fine. I just can't change the key mappings of the Halo keyboard to my German keyboard. English may work as that seems to be the default.

 

[nan0s7]

Well on screen keyboard works fine. I just can't change the key mappings of the Halo keyboard to my German keyboard. English may work as that seems to be the default.

Hmm you're right. I've tried switching to a Polish keyboard in AMIDuOS, and it doesn't work at all. Although I didn't try switching the keyboard language in Windows, and then using AMIDuOS. I'm kind of optimistic that that method may work, so possibly give that a try if you haven't yet?

 

[sawyerbenjamin]

Are you gonna try again if you can get your hands on Lenovo's stock Yoga Book ROM?

 

[nan0s7]

Are you gonna try again if you can get your hands on Lenovo's stock Yoga Book ROM?

I do actually have a copy of the stock ROM, but not in a format I can put on the Yoga Book without the Android bootloader installed. The versions of Android I tested were ones that include the files for the bootloader and such, but they didn't want to work properly.

If something new comes up, or I get another idea, I will for sure try again. I prefer to use Android over Windows, any day.

 

[nan0s7]

I had a minor breakthrough last night. I don't know how I managed it though.

So Remix OS has an installer application you can run from within Windows. I used that, then rebooted into Remix OS. The first boot was met with just lots of graphical errors, but when I rebooted again into Remix OS, it booted perfectly. Android was running smoothly, everything worked (the touch screen, Wi-Fi, etc. - but not the Halo Keyboard). However, when I rebooted again, it stopped working. I was not able to successfully replicate that again - even with many re-installations of Remix OS.

I'll continue to mess with it, but if anyone has Windows and wants to attempt getting Android on it, this may be a viable method they can try. But of course, it's not perfect so don't do anything you don't know how to do just yet.

 

[jamespmi]

However, when I rebooted again, it stopped working. I was not able to successfully replicate that again - even with many re-installations of Remix OS.

Why so much headache? If you are having the Windows Version how often do you really miss Android? What Apps are not present under Windows? I am absolutely not a gamer, that's probably why I don't really have the need for Android... Anyhow, why installing Remix OS and risking to mess up with the Bootloader? I tried NOX Player and KO Player. The last one works very smooth on an Atom Processor. KO Player even let you go Fullscreen. Everything works out off the box as it's just a layer, Halo Keyboard, Pen, just all works and pretty decent. Many low equipped Android Tablets perform slower...

 

[nan0s7]

Why so much headache? If you are having the Windows Version how often do you really miss Android? What Apps are not present under Windows? I am absolutely not a gamer, that's probably why I don't really have the need for Android... Anyhow, why installing Remix OS and risking to mess up with the Bootloader? I tried NOX Player and KO Player. The last one works very smooth on an Atom Processor. KO Player even let you go Fullscreen. Everything works out off the box as it's just a layer, Halo Keyboard, Pen, just all works and pretty decent. Many low equipped Android Tablets perform slower...

I've got Windows machines all around me. Which is... tolerable. But it's more that I just enjoy having Android on my device, and I do really enjoy messing with tech. I've gotten so close to getting Android on my tablet, it's just a project to really satisfy my time with. Plus, with Android I have more control over everything

 

[jamespmi]

I've gotten so close to getting Android on my tablet, it's just a project to really satisfy my time with. Plus, with Android I have more control over everything

As a techie achievement I totally understand. But I doubt you will get all the drivers working properly. Halo Keyboard, Wacom & AnyPen for example. But good luck... On the other hand I have to insist: Windows gives you more control over everything... lol...

 

[nan0s7]

As a techie achievement I totally understand. But I doubt you will get all the drivers working properly. Halo Keyboard, Wacom & AnyPen for example. But good luck... On the other hand I have to insist: Windows gives you more control over everything... lol...

Once I get some sort of Android on it, that will allow me to flash a ROM that has all the drivers in it. And it depends what you define control as...

 

[Melliejoy]

Once I get some sort of Android on it, that will allow me to flash a ROM that has all the drivers in it. And it depends what you define control as...

Hey dude,

It looks like this thread hasn't had a great deal of attention lately, which is kinda sad. I figured it would be a really tricky endeavour anyway.

Anywho, just letting you know that if you do ever figure this out, there's one chick in Australia whom will owe you her eternal thanks.

Seriously, I tried to Remix, I tried to x86, but all it got me was a trip to Harvey Norman and a 2-5 week waiting period to get my book back. If you get a flashable Android ROM for this thing you will be my favourite person in the whole world ever. :laugh:

 

[nan0s7]

Hey dude,

It looks like this thread hasn't had a great deal of attention lately, which is kinda sad. I figured it would be a really tricky endeavour anyway.

Anywho, just letting you know that if you do ever figure this out, there's one chick in Australia whom will owe you her eternal thanks.

Seriously, I tried to Remix, I tried to x86, but all it got me was a trip to Harvey Norman and a 2-5 week waiting period to get my book back. If you get a flashable Android ROM for this thing you will be my favourite person in the whole world ever. :laugh:

Haha damn sounds like a.... fun time

But yeah, there hasn't been much progress. I mean you could always run an emulator on-top of Windows if you NEED an Android tablet.

 

[Melliejoy]

Haha damn sounds like a.... fun time

But yeah, there hasn't been much progress. I mean you could always run an emulator on-top of Windows if you NEED an Android tablet.

I didn't NEED Android until I discovered Freeview FV, so I could watch Highway Patrol without taking the TV from my hubby. Between that and the few apps I use for D&D, I'm sort of regretting going with the Windows version.

I can't really do anything until I get it back, anyway. The furthest I got was successfully installing Remix, but it wouldn't accept any external input when trying to select it from the boot menu. I guess I could use an emu, but it's not as good as the real thing.

 

[nan0s7]

I didn't NEED Android until I discovered Freeview FV, so I could watch Highway Patrol without taking the TV from my hubby. Between that and the few apps I use for D&D, I'm sort of regretting going with the Windows version.

I can't really do anything until I get it back, anyway. The furthest I got was successfully installing Remix, but it wouldn't accept any external input when trying to select it from the boot menu. I guess I could use an emu, but it's not as good as the real thing.

Yeah I wish I had gotten the Android version, but I got mine for a reduced price... so I can't complain too much ;P

Yeah... none of the emus are perfect anyway. I'm hoping that a new version of x86 Android or Remix OS will allow me to get ADB to work, so I can then flash Android. But I'm not holding my breath for that.

 

[sawyerbenjamin]

Any recent experimenting with Remix? Im about to download it and see what I can gather. Too bad there's about zero android devs on this thing. Im sure a custom Kernel under RemixOS would be fix most of its problems.

 

[nan0s7]

Any recent experimenting with Remix? Im about to download it and see what I can gather. Too bad there's about zero android devs on this thing. Im sure a custom Kernel under RemixOS would be fix most of its problems.

Nah I haven't done anything recently. But if you're having trouble getting things booted use my method (assuming it still works now) and I guess see what you can do

 

[ljbha007]

I do actually have a copy of the stock ROM, but not in a format I can put on the Yoga Book without the Android bootloader installed. The versions of Android I tested were ones that include the files for the bootloader and such, but they didn't want to work properly.

If something new comes up, or I get another idea, I will for sure try again. I prefer to use Android over Windows, any day.

Is your stock ROM for YB1-X90F or YB1-X90L?

 

[nan0s7]

Is your stock ROM for YB1-X90F or YB1-X90L?

I have both. Got them from easy-firmware (had to pay for the X90F version).

They're not "ROMS" so much as they are just a way to replace Android with this particular version. So it comes with all the .img files for each partition you'd normally see (system, boot, etc.) and some scripts to use with the Intel flasher program thingo.